Post-Grad Lessons

Time goes by even faster. In college, life is broken up into four exciting parts: Fall semester, an all-new start; Winter Break, the holidays, family and friends from home; Spring Semester, another new start, formal recruitment, the excitement of snow days, summer weather; Summer, beach days, making money and the merging of friends from home and friends from college. The rest of the world, though, just has one looong rotation. The seasons come and go- and boy, do they go. Sometimes it may feel that the 9-5 slows down a bit, but then, boom! It’s Friday, then the weekend flies and other week goes by. Talking to my friends who graduated today, it’s hard to believe that just 12 short months ago, I was walking across that stage. Where on earth did the last year of my life go?

It’s hard to change when no one else is. When I look at all my friends, I see that they’re still staying out until 3 a.m. Partying in Hoboken all weekend long. While I was never big on that scene, it’s hard that I can’t be with them. I see their Facebook photos and statuses made at 3 a.m., long after my bedtime. But, I know, if I were out doing that, I wouldn’t be where I am now.

The impossible is actually possible. One year ago, we were recent graduates filled with such mixed emotions. While most were all ready to become a part of the “real world”, some were left wanting just one more year of the carefree lifestyle of an undergrad. Either way, it was happening, and we all (especially me, the Communications major, and my close friends, future teachers) repeatedly heard a pessimistic “Good luck getting a job.” But guess what? It happens! I did get that job. I’m just thankful everyday that I hate children and would be a terrible teacher. Other impossible things I conquered this year? No biggie, I only moved out and finished a half marathon. What else? I had an article published on the front page of NJ.com today.

It’s a lot easier to lose weight when you go from chugging beer and mixed drinks to sipping wine and cocktails. The results are actually amazing.

Growing Up

For the first time in four years I won't be moving back into college.

Weird.

I loved college.  I loved my friends, my sorority sisters, (most of) my roommates.  I met my boyfriend.  I fell in love.  I was president of a sorority.  I really learned who I was and let myself become someone.  I was quiet in high school and scared to show everyone who I really was.  I didn't talk much in class and kept myself to my small, pre-selected group of friends.

In college, I quickly saw that I could be the person that I wanted to be.  I could disagree with another student- or the professor- in front of the class.  I could quickly say I didn't do all the reading.  I could lead a group of girls to be the biggest (and best, obviously) sorority on campus.  It was a great time for me to grow up.

And now I'm back at home.  Stuck back in the rut of being the person I had to be for 18 years.

Oh well.  While everyone is moving in this Labor Day, I'm still sitting on the beach.

I win.